Bucks star Patrick Beverley has vowed to “be better” after he was twice seen throwing a ball at Pacers fans during Milwaukee’s NBA playoff loss.
Beverly lost her temper and took out her anger on opposing fans during the team’s elimination from the playoffs Thursday night.
The 35-year-old was seen throwing a ball toward Pacers fans behind the Bucks bench, hitting a woman in the side of the head.
He then demanded that another fan give him the ball back, only to immediately throw it once again.
He declined to answer a question about the incident after the game. But Beverly did address the issue on social media and initially defended her actions: “We warned and asked for help all night,” she said of a fan’s behavior.
Milwaukee Bucks star Patrick Beverly let his temper flare during his team’s elimination.
But on Friday morning, the guard showed more remorse, writing on social media: “I have to get better.” And I’ll do it.’
The Bucks were sent packing when the Indiana Pacers sealed their series victory with a 120-98 victory in Game 6 over the third-place team.
With less than three minutes remaining in the Bucks’ season-ending loss, Beverly’s antics were captured on the TNT broadcast.
The furious guard had to be restrained by his teammates as Pacers fans watched in disbelief.
The guard was caught throwing a ball at Pacers fans several times during Game 6.
Beverly and the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs with a 120-98 loss to the Pacers
Later, after returning to the locker room to complete media duties, Beverley paused her response to a question to question ESPN reporter Malinda Adams. Strangely, she asked him if he subscribed to her podcast. When she said no, he replied, “Then you can’t interview me.” No disrespect.
When another reporter tried to ask Beverley a question, she told Adams to “get that microphone out of my face, please.”
Then, when Adams handed it back to her for her response, Beverley told her to “get out of the loop, please, if you’re not subscribed to my podcast.” I apreciate it.’
Stephen A. Smith was among those who criticized Beverley’s antics on and off the court, and the ESPN analyst expected a “severe” punishment to follow.
The 35-year-old had to be held back by his teammates as things heated up on the bench.
‘I just can’t believe he did that… it’s unforgivable. It’s indefensible,” said Stephen A. Smith.
‘I just can’t believe he did that. I have known Patrick Beverly for years. I love brother. It’s unforgivable. He is indefensible,” he stated in First shot.
‘When he threw the ball into the stands, he had no intention of throwing it at the woman… but he never should have thrown it the first time. Do not do that.’
Smith said he has sympathy for the players given the abuse they receive from the stands. But the analyst said: ‘That does not exempt him from exercising his decorum and professional obligation: with himself, with the franchise he represents, the league he represents. Do not do that.’
He added: IIt’s an incredibly bad look. A suspension is coming, there’s no doubt about that… punishment is coming and I suspect it will be severe.’